Swim, bike, run and relax in a venue primed to give you the royal treatment — before and after race day.

by Lisa Dolbear

When it comes to training, triathletes pride themselves on their ability to "fit it all in," despite managing triathlon around a career, social, and family obligations. Multisport and multitask seem to go hand in hand, but there’s one area where we notoriously fall short: taking time to rest and recover. Enter IRONMAN Vichy: it won the 2016 Athlete’s Choice Awards for overall satisfaction and best overall run, and it’s located in a town that’s flourishing with ways to revive body and mind. Vichy also hosts the IRONMAN 70.3 Vichy on the same weekend.

Enjoy the variety of the view

Located in Auvergne, France about three hours south of Paris, Vichy is a mosaic of stunning architecture and breathtaking green space that was designed to be pleasing. Upon the command of Napoleon III, the small town was transformed into a haven for him and his entourage. Between 1861 and 1866, he came to the town for cures on five occasions. From the row of Swiss and American-Colonial styled chalets along the Boulevard des Etats Unis (a nod to Napolean’s childhood), to the modern Art Deco style of the Vichy Opera House (designed by the country’s premiere sculptors, painters, and craftsman), no details were spared in setting the stage for indulgence. It’s often noted that the mix of Second Empire architecture with Art Nouveau updating in subsequent years is one of the city's most charming attributes.

Unwind in the park

Parc Napolean III is a 32-acre park that runs alongside the River Allier, filled with 65 species of trees (many rare and exotic). The riverwalk offers an opportunity to peruse dining possibilities (there are bars and cafes along the way), while serving up options for family entertainment. Outside activities include golf, table tennis, zip wires for kids and a sandy beach and small swimming area (also suitable for stand-up paddle boards and kayaks). The Parc de Sources was laid out to be the hub of the town, and boasts a wrought-iron canopy covering the entire walkway around the park, ensuring a lively stroll rain or shine.

Spa your stress away

Looking to restore your weary body and mind? Vichy, known as the "Queen of Spa Towns" fits the bill. From extensive week-long treatments to afternoon appointments, the remedies of the Vichy therms have been sought after for centuries. Les Célestins is the largest medical spa in Europe and is connected to a 5-star hotel. The spa offers treatments for health, wellbeing, and beauty, and provides free access to the regular spa facilities (rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, Hammam and a foot relaxation station). You can even enjoy a selection of therapeutic infusions at the spa bar.

Wet your palette

Yes, pun intended! Vichy’s Celestins water is branded and exported to more than 40 countries to be sold in stores, but you can bring your own bottle to the Hall des Sources (located within the Parc des Sources) and enjoy samples from six different sources of mineral springs for free. These mineral waters claim to be a cure for 50 different ailments and are sometimes even prescribed as treatments by doctors.

The area also boasts many modern and traditional French restaurants, ranging from fine dining options to cheap eats and local cuisine. To really get a flavor for the area, be sure to order the Vichyssoise — a thick soup made from pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream and chicken stock. It’s said to have originated in Vichy and is traditionally served cold (a perfect carbo loading dish on a hot summer day).

Take a tour

The Tourist Information Centre offers guided 90-minute tours tapping into the area’s "art, nature and history" in just an hour and a half—the perfect way to take in a little of everything the city has to offer. In July and August, the centre features a different theme every day giving you plenty of variety during a longer stay.

Watch a race

The IRONMAN isn’t the only race in town—the Hippodrome de Bellerive is located on the left back of the Allier and has been holding regular horse racing meets since 1875. Many races run in the evening, and there are restaurants and a brewery on site if you need to quench your thirst with something other than water.

Venture out of Vichy

The Vichy IRONMAN course is relatively flat, but you can get your elevation fix with a trip to the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park. Noted as Europe’s largest regional park, its nearly 1000 acres are divided into five areas, featuring a variety of volcanic peaks, lakes, rivers and valleys all with well-groomed hiking trails.

Don’t forget your souvenir

A trip to an IRONMAN race wouldn’t be complete without a bit of M-dot merch, and a trip to Vichy isn’t complete without a tin of Vichy Pastilles. Invented in 1825 and touted for their digestive properties, Napolean III’s wife Eugenie was a notable fan. Today the beloved confections are made with mineral salts extracted from the local spring water, sugar, and flavored with mint, lemon or aniseed.

Lisa Dolbear is a three-time IRONMAN, marketing professional, and mother of two.